Taekwondo protective equipment - UK prices?

[Mr Allen]

Having recently taken up Taekwondo training once a week, I've been today to watch a sparring class at a local Church Hall, and with my previous experience of sparring in traditional Japanese Karate, I think I could have a go next time.

Anyway I saw a lot of the students wearing protective gear on the head, gloves and footwear, and even groin guards, back when I used to train in Karate I had a groin guard but it was quite big, and not the most comfy thing and restricted my movement quite a bit, like I couldn't get my legs up when I'd got it on to do kicks and stuff.

Anyway I've Googled some prices of stuff, and found Blitzsports.com which has good products but they're a bit expensive, I've also had a look on eBay which has some stuff at more agreeable prices but would anyone know a good UK site or even any Martial Arts shops in or near Sheffield, England where I could get stuff and maybe even try before I buy to make sure I get the correct sizes and that?

 

[Mia]

Here are some Rich, both new and used equipment in the UK.

http://www.blitzsport.com/ This is in Kent, free next day delivery to all mainland UK addresses on all orders over GBP 99 (excluding VAT).

http:gumtree.com UK, used martial arts equipment (can't seem to go there from Canada, for some reason)

 

[Mr Allen]

Here are some Rich, both new and used equipment in the UK.

http://www.blitzsport.com/ This is in Kent, free next day delivery to all mainland UK addresses on all orders over GBP 99 (excluding VAT).

http:gumtree.com UK, used martial arts equipment (can't seem to go there from Canada, for some reason)

Yeah I'll have a look on Gumtree but to be honest I don't really want second hand kit, unless it's significantly cheaper and in good condition.

As mentioned in the OP I've looked on Blitzsport.com, seen some good products but slightly expensive, cheaper on eBay, I might have a word with our instructor tomorrow night and see if he knows anywhere for stuff.

Thanks Mia but I know that to find the info you posted you just went on Google, that's what I did before posting the OP, hence finding Blitzsport.com.

 

[Mr Allen]

Further Googling tells me they might have stuff at Sports Direct, however I'm loathe to purchase from them because they're a bit of a stickler for the Sale of Goods Act, they tend not to take stuff back if it's not suitable or doesn't fit, even if you take it back within 30 days armed with the receipt! I once bought a pair of black joggers from there and they were too long, I knew they probably would be as I have short legs but I bought them anyway, anyway they were no good so I took them back the next day, armed with the receipt, but because I'd already worn them they wouldn't take them back! I argued that under the Act I could bring any item back within 30 days with the receipt for a full refund if it wasn't suitable, but they said no... I admit I might be wrong though, my knowledge of the SOGA is from 20 years ago.

The MA stuff might only be available online as well.

Just come from Decathlon in Town, they have the Headgear, £28.99, tried one on and it fits me, plus they have the Shin guards for £12, so maybe I'll pop down after Christmas and get some stuff, better to buy from a Shop than online, easier to take stuff back if it's not suitable.